Dismissing charges that he acted "under duress", Bihar Governor Buta Singh on Monday defended his action in recommending dissolution of the Bihar assembly and said it was done to prevent horse-trading and save democracy.

"My biggest fear was horse-trading, buying of MLAs and making them sign on papers under duress," he told reporters here hours after dissolution of the 243-member assembly.

Asked to comment on the National Democratic Alliance's criticism that he had acted under pressure from Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, the governor said it was unfair and unfounded. "I cannot comment on such wild allegations," he said.

Singh said, in fact, he saved democracy and prevented law and order from getting out of hand as people were roaming about with arms.

He said he had to take the steps in view of reports of "activities" of horse-trading going on in the name of government formation. "I term them as illegal, undemocratic and unconstitutional. I could not permit them... I will never permit such things, that is my duty," he said.

To a question on the transfers of district magistrates of Siwan and Gopalganj, the governor said it was wrong to dub the move as politically motivated.

The Siwan district magistrate had sought transfer to Maharashtra as his wife, a superintendent of police, was posted there and he went on leave. The Gopalganj DM also went on leave and as such alternative arrangements had to be made, he said.

Asked when assembly polls could be held in the state, the governor said it was for the Election Commission to decide.